Day 1
Hanoi Arrival, Half Day City Tour (Ba Dinh Square, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (external view only), One Pillar Pagoda, The Temple of Literature)
Upon arrival at Hanoi International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our local representative and transferred to the city for a half-day sightseeing tour of Vietnam’s charming capital.
Begin with a visit to Ba Dinh Square, the heart of modern Vietnam, where you will see the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and his former Presidential Residence (external view only; closed on Mondays, Fridays, all afternoons, and during October–November). Continue to the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, a unique lotus-shaped structure rising from the middle of a tranquil lake—one of Hanoi’s most symbolic landmarks.
Next, explore the Temple of Literature, dedicated to Confucius and home to the Imperial Academy, Vietnam’s very first national university. This peaceful complex of courtyards and ancient architecture offers a fascinating glimpse into the country’s scholarly past.
After lunch at a local restaurant, transfer to your hotel for check-in. The afternoon is free at leisure, or you may explore Hanoi on your own—wander through the lively Old Quarter, visit Dong Xuan Market, admire the Opera House, or enjoy a relaxing walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, taking in views of the emerald waters, The Huc Bridge, Pen Tower (Thap But), and Ngoc Son Temple. Enjoy free time for shopping and discovering local life in the Old Quarter.
Dinner will be served at a local restaurant. In the evening, enjoy a performance of the famous Vietnamese Traditional Water Puppet Show, a unique art form that dates back centuries and reflects rural life along the Red River Delta.
✨ Highlight of the day:
In the evening, transfer to the train station to board the overnight train to Lao Cai, the gateway to Sapa. Settle into your 4-berth soft sleeper cabin with air-conditioning and enjoy the nostalgic experience of traveling by night through the Vietnamese countryside—a memorable journey and the perfect start to your Sapa adventure.
Overnight on train to Lao Cai.
Breakfast: Not included in tour price
Lunch and Dinner: Included in tour price
Day 2
Hanoi to Sa Pa (Lao Cai City, Cat Cat Village-Home of Black H’mong ethnic people, Waterfall-Hydraulic Power Station)
06:00 – Arrive at Lao Cai Railway Station, where you will be met by our driver and transferred to a nearby local restaurant for breakfast and refreshments, giving you time to freshen up after the overnight train journey.
After breakfast, continue by road to the charming mountain town of Sapa, famous for its cool climate, terraced rice fields, and ethnic minority cultures. Upon arrival, proceed to your hotel for check-in (standard check-in time: 14:00). Free time at leisure until the afternoon program.
Afternoon:
Enjoy a short drive to the entrance of Cat Cat Village, home to the Black H’mong ethnic people, beautifully located in a deep valley at the foot of Fansipan Peak, the highest mountain in Indochina. Begin a scenic trek through the village, where you will observe traditional wooden houses, local handicrafts, and daily life activities that have been preserved for generations.
Continue trekking downhill to the valley bottom, passing lush landscapes until you reach the picturesque waterfall and the historic French-era Hydraulic Power Station. Take time to stop for photos at the bridge and waterfall—one of the most photogenic spots in the area. From there, walk uphill to the main road where the bus will be waiting to transfer you back to Sapa town.
Trekking distance: approximately 2.5 km
Duration: around 2 hours
Difficulty: easy to moderate, suitable for most travelers
Overnight in Sapa, surrounded by cool mountain air and peaceful highland scenery.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner: Included in tour price.
Day 3
Sa Pa, Fansipan Peak ( Cable Car Ride at Muong Hoa Station, Muong Hoa Valley, Fansipan Pagoda, Trekking up to 600 steps to reach The Roof of Indochina) Back to Hanoi
After a delightful breakfast at the hotel, take a short walk from your hotel lobby to Muong Hoa Station to board the mountain train to the Fansipan Cable Car Station. Enjoy a scenic 7-minute train ride offering beautiful views of the Muong Hoa Valley before continuing on a 20-minute cable car journey, one of the longest and highest in the world, showcasing truly spectacular mountain scenery.
Arriving at an altitude of 2,800 meters, take time to admire the breathtaking panoramic views and capture memorable photos. Visit the spiritual pagoda complex, an important cultural and religious site nestled high in the mountains. For those ready for a challenge, continue trekking up approximately 600 stone steps (about 20–30 minutes) to reach the summit of Fansipan – the “Roof of Indochina.”
Spend around 1.5 hours hiking, sightseeing, and taking photos at the peak, weather permitting.
Descend by cable car and return by mountain train to Sapa Town. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, followed by time to relax or explore at your own pace.
At 14:30, board the shuttle bus back to Hanoi, with two comfortable rest stops along the way.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner: Included in tour price
Day 4
Hanoi to Ha Long (Ha Long Cruise (overnight on boat), Visit Caves, Islands, Floating Fishing Village), Without Guide
After breakfast at the hotel, depart Hanoi for Halong Bay, located approximately 165 km east of the city and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding natural beauty. Known in Vietnamese as “Ha Long,” meaning “the Dragon Descending into the Sea,” this iconic destination features more than 1,000 limestone islets and karst formations rising dramatically from emerald waters, many of which conceal magnificent caves and grottoes.
Upon arrival, board a boutique traditional wooden junk and begin your scenic cruise through the bay. While gliding past towering limestone cliffs and tranquil seascapes, enjoy a delicious seafood lunch served on board. The cruise continues with visits to impressive caves, limestone islands, and a floating fishing village, offering a glimpse into the daily life of local fishermen. There is also time to relax on deck, admire the views, and capture memorable photographs of this world-famous landscape.
As evening sets in, unwind with onboard activities such as a movie night, board games, or try traditional squid fishing, or simply relax at leisure and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Ha Long Bay. Dinner is served on board, followed by an overnight stay on the boat, surrounded by the serene beauty of the bay.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner: Included in tour price
Day 5
Ha Long Cruise on boat (Detailed Cruise to be advice), Back to Hanoi
Rise and shine! Start your day with a delightful spread of cakes, fresh fruits, tea, and coffee as you soak in the breathtaking views of Ha Long Bay.
09:30 AM: It’s time to check out of your cabin. Enjoy a sumptuous brunch on board as you take in the scenic vistas around you, with the meal wrapping up between 10:30 AM and 11:00 AM.
Each boat features its own unique itinerary, and we’ll share the specifics of your cruise experience in your confirmation.
11:00 AM: Bid farewell to the stunning waterways and make your way back to Ha Long pier. As you cruise back, reflect on the memories created amidst the majestic limestone karsts.
04:00 PM: Arrival in Hanoi. Check in to your hotel and take a moment to refresh after your adventure. Then, step into the vibrant streets of the Hanoi Old Quarter and immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere and local shops. Don’t miss the Weekend Night Market if you’re here from Friday to Sunday!
After a day filled with exploration, indulge in a delicious dinner. Enjoy your evening at leisure before settling in for the night in the heart of Hanoi.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner: Included in tour price
Day 6
Hanoi Departure
After enjoying a delightful breakfast, you’ll have some leisurely time to relax and soak in the ambiance of your surroundings. Whether you choose to stroll through local markets, sip a coffee while admiring the view, or simply unwind at your accommodation, this is your moment to embrace the essence of the day. When it’s time, you’ll be seamlessly transferred to Hanoi/Noi Bai International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your adventure. Safe travels!
Breakfast: Included in tour price
